Toward an Independent Congress: The Case Against Parties

An argument in favor of an independent Congress and against parties as such, from Not Just Another Political Blog:

Right now, political parties seem to be the bane of America's existence.  They are causing endless gridlock in Congress, enraging voters, and bringing some truly frightening people (Sharron Angle, Joe Miller, et al) out of the woodwork as people fight to be the "most" Democratic or "most" Republican on the ballot.  Intelligents and moderates are being shoved aside, normal citizens are being ignored, and radical and harmful views are being covered as viable alternatives by the media, allowing them to become popularized and widespread.  So what's the solution?  How about something really radical, something that's never been considered.  How about doing away with political parties? I wrote once before in support of a multiparty system, like many European governments have.  I still believe that is much better than our current system.  But might a party-less system be even better? . . .

Oftentimes, the main difference between the two major parties in this country is rhetorical. . . . With no political parties, there would be no nebulously defined “base” that politicians are beholden to simply because of their party affiliation. . . . This would also eliminate party line votes. . . . A lack of parties would also throw the electoral system wide open to more involvement by the citizens. . . . Would our country even function like this? I think it's possible. But it is also entirely possible the answer is "no".  Then again, you might say that our country doesn't function now . . . 

Read the whole thing.